What’s going on, FA Nation? How’s the #FAmily doing?
Not a whole lot of activity on the running back and handcuff front, but there are still a few situations that are worth mentioning. Here’s what I’m thinking…
Cincinnati Bengals
There are no changes in the running back hierarchy in Cincinnati, but with A.J. Green out and Giovani Bernard heading back, it’s worth exploring Gio in PPR formats. Tyler Boyd is going to see heavier coverage and between John Ross and Alex Erickson , the Bengals are going to need to adjust their passing attack. That should put Bernard not a much better spot. You’ll obviously have to check his practice schedule regarding his use this week, but even looking ahead to Week 11 against the Ravens, a short-passing attack may be necessary. Mixon’s usage, by the way, should also increase in the absence of Green.
Detroit Lions
Nothing would make me happier than to write how Jim Bob Cooter and Matt Patricia have learned how to properly deploy Kerryon Johnson , but the note for the Lions is actually about them dropping Ameer Abdullah . It’s still Kerryon and LeGarrette Blount with a splash of Theo Riddick , if healthy, but now they’ve released Abdullah who should land on your watch list. No telling who might pick him up, but in the right situation, he could be worthy of a roster spot. It’s not a game-changer, but it could certainly be helpful.
Philadelphia Eagles
I discussed the possibilities with the Eagles backfield last week and I don’t want to just re-publish what I wrote. My thoughts haven’t changed, so check them out in last week’s Handcuff Report. It’s worth paying attention to, especially if Josh Adams is on your waiver wire.
San Francisco 49ers
It’s like Doc Brown and Marty McFly kidnapped us, threw us into the Delorean and brought us back to Week 1 of the regular season. There is no more talk of Raheem Mostert because he just landed on IR and we’re right back to deciding between Matt Breida and Alfred Morris . Who to use? Which way do we go? Yuck! If push comes to shove…and this Monday night against the Giants, it does…I’ll side with Breida as the primary back. Morris has been kicked around and pushed aside too much for me to suddenly believe he’s going to start seeing a higher usage rate. Is there a risk with Breida’s perpetual injuries? Of course. But he still seems to be the guy tabbed as the prinary by Kyle Shanahan and that’s obviously what’s most important.
Tennessee Titans
Leading into the Titans’ Week 8 bye, OC Matt LaFleur insisted that he will give Dion Lewis the lion’s share of the carries moving forward. He cited Lewis’ versatility and pass-catching abilities and then lo and behold, he was a man of his word this past week and Lewis saw the bulk of the work. Derrick Henry did get some goal-line work and found his way into the end zone, but Lewis out-carried him 17 to 6 and also saw a handful of targets and receptions. If the ball is in Lewis’ hands more, he’ll be worth using regardless of how bad the Titans are overall.